I installed this chain when I replaced some 7800 series parts (rear der., cassette). I kept my 7800 front derailleur and R700 compact crankset. Immediately upon pedaling with new setup I heard a repeating clunk in the area of the cassette. Mechanic inspected and found the master link was making the noise. Seemed not to go through rear derailleur sprockets cleanly. He replaced with Wipperman link and it is all fine. He later told me Shimano suspended the 7900 master link production. Check it out for yourselves.

I'm 120 lbs female and I wonder if these tires give me as much added benefit as they would a much heavier person. The tires felt a little heavy/slow, however they carved turns like parabolic skis. Couple times the rear tire slid out a little in the wet (possibly rider error). They were murder to mount on my 7801 Dura Ace wheels. Once mounted properly, they stuck perfectly. Ride quality wonderful. Not many nicks. Would not look forward to flatting in a race because of difficulty getting tires on rims. Very up in the air for upcoming Battenkill race in upstate NY with mix of pave and 20 mi un-pave. Hutch tubeless are only 127 tpi. Choosing between these, Vittoria Evo Corsa CX (290), and Hutchinson Ultra (127 tpi). The Ultras are soft and pick up gravel but have not punctured in 400 miles over sand, pebbles, grit and big sharp gravel chunks. Suggestions?

Well made. Multiple panels conformed to my body quite well, though they seem a hair on the small and narrow side as compared to many other Castelli tights I've tried. Strangely, the thermal fleecy fabric is on the outer quad where the wind and elements would hit, while the windstopper fabric is on the inner quad. A few stars for extending the wind stopper fabric up the backside so that if you're riding without fenders you'll have a bit more protection there. I returned them in hopes of finding something with windstopper fabric in the correct place, as well as up the backside, with a chamois as comfortable as the Castelli Kiss.

I have worn this jacket on a hike in winter conditions and many times skiing. While it is just a shell, it is cut roomy enough to layer a fleece or down sweater underneath. The many pockets are fantastic. I have carried a water bottle, 2 pair of goggles, iPod, phone, food... If you are a parent you always need more pockets. The pit zips are great. Love the soft fleece on the collar. I have not worn the coat in a downpour so cannot speak to that. It is extremely water repellent. The thicker material on shoulders is great when wearing a pack or carrying skis. The only drawbacks I can think of is that the material not terribly windproof (solved by wearing appropriate layers underneath). Also, I would prefer a slightly longer cut. This falls at the top of my hips and as have a short torso and wide hips, wearing insulated ski pants makes for a snug fit. Also, I would prefer that the powder skirt is removable. It adds unnecessary bulk at the waist as is. Otherwise this is a very versatile and practical coat for cold weather sports or around town. Enjoy.

These are a very light and fairly stiff shoe (for a non-carbon shoe). I am a 7.0-7.5 in women's shoes and the 38 fits me very well, with more room at the tip and sides of toes than the same size in Specialized cycling shoes. Like many NW shoes these run a little wide in the toe box (on my average width feet). I like that the sole is very flat so my cleats can be fastened without a lot of space between the sole and the cleat. The material is very light and I can tell that with all that mesh my feet will be far less sweaty in the summer in past summers. The NW buckling system works well though I am still getting used to the SBS ratcheting system. It is not complicated to use, just takes a minute longer to adjust, which I'm sure I'll get used to. I hope all the parts that make up that ratchet will wear well. Frankly, I would be just as happy with 3 velcro straps and a strong, stiff sole than with the other gizmos!

First, it's difficult or impossible to find any weight down parka with a hood. This one not only has a hood (that is, if you choose the hooded option of the Alpine Light Parka) but also has a soft, microfleece layer inside the neck that keeps you are cozy whether the zip and hood are up or down. On top of that, the parka is warm enough (800-fill) to wear on its own or underneath an outer layer. For around town, I wear mine under a roomy OR softshell when I need it and couldn't be happier. When skiing I wear it under a Gore-tex shell and same thing. As toasty as if it were a big puffer parka, but you can barely see that there's a down layer under your shell - and, the material has a windblock effect as well. There are other benefits to having a hood - when it's rolled down around your neck it acts like a puffy neck warmer and keeps the cold mountain wind from seeping in (lack of substantial down in the neck cuff and no fleece liner at neck was what made me return the OR Ergo Down). I have not had the torso length issue others have had but I am a bit short in the torso! But having read those reviews, I tried the small and medium and opted for the medium because I didn't want the super close fit. That medium also gave me an extra 1/2-1" length in the torso. One last unique thing about the parka is that instead of one seam from the armpit to the waist there are 2, 4" apart, for better fit. Lots of high-end details in a very functional, very warm and very lightweight parka.

Easy to put on, easy to adjust, and good-looking, too, these gaiters are the perfect upgrade to the baggy velcro balloons I used over the past 15 years. Fitted to my foot and leg in several places, the gaiters fit divinely and protect throughout the worst kind of wet snow. I had no seepage whatsoever after a 2 hour ski through a heavy snow (though perhaps if I'd stood there for an hour...) The gaiters hold in a reasonable amount of warmth and also block out the wind. Once again - great product, OR.

It's an unusual, flattering cut for a fleece and I like that. The material feels very light, a little less substantial than other fleeces at this weight. The black, of course, is a lint attracter. It is a very comfortable late-spring weight top.

I like most Isis products because of their feminine cut. I sometimes find the material a little less substantial than reflected in the price. Also, like many pants for athletic women these are snug in areas where active women develop healthy muscles (buttissimo and thights). Good to keep in mind when shopping for Isis products.